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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

Best Ball Scout Championship

Wed Apr 17 9:26am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Get in the Scout Championship


RealTime Fantasy Sports is once again very excited to bring you the Best Ball Scout Championship this season. This contest is a little different from our normal Best Ball Championship. All these drafts take place before the NFL Draft, so you don’t know where any of the rookies are going this year. You are taking them blindly. This makes for even more strategy come draft day. Should you load up on rookies? Should you just avoid rookies? What is the winning strategy? We are here to help.

First of all, the winner of the Best Ball Scout Championship takes home $10,000. You also win money for finishing first or second in your 10-team league. The cost to enter the contest is just $20. There are a maximum of 10,000 teams in this contest. Rosters are 20 deep with starters consisting of a QB, two RBs, two WRs, one TE and two FLEX spots. There are no kickers and defenses. Remember, this is a best ball contest, so there is no roster management. Your roster is set once the draft is complete.

With that said, we thought it would be a good idea to look at the championship roster from last year to see what won it all. Here it is:

Round 1: Ja’Marr Chase, WR
Round 2: Davante Adams, WR
Round 3: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
Round 4: DeVonta Smith, WR
Round 5: Deebo Samuel, WR
Round 6: George Kittle, TE
Round 7: Keenan Allen, WR
Round 8: Joe Mixon, RB
Round 9: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB
Round 10: Dak Prescott, QB
Round 11: Khalil Herbert, RB
Round 12: Jared Goff, QB
Round 13: Raheem Mostert, RB
Round 14: Ezekiel Elliott, RB
Round 15: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB
Round 16: Leonard Fournette, RB
Round 17: Tyler Boyd, WR
Round 18: Taysom Hill, TE
Round 19: Zach Ertz, TE
Round 20: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB

The big thing to notice on this roster is just one rookie was taken. Obviously, this owner hit big with that one rookie, taking Jahmyr Gibbs in Round 9. Gibbs was the 10th rated fantasy back last season. But the championship team from last year took just one rookie. This owner did not load up on rookies and waited until the middle rounds to take his one rookie target. This could be a good lesson learned for owners this season. Maybe going early on rookies or taking several is a losing strategy. Just something to keep in mind this year.

And like with many best ball owners, this roster had three quarterbacks and three tight ends. This owner did not take a quarterback early, waiting to take a quarterback until Round 10. But the owner did got a little early on a tight end, getting George Kittle in Round 6.

The other winning strategy for this owner was loading up on receivers early while waiting to get his running backs until later. This was a very interesting strategy that worked. The owner took five straight receivers to start the draft and didn’t get a running back until Joe Mixon was picked in Round 8. This is a little riskier but another strategy that can obviously worked. Take those sure thing receivers first and get a bunch of question mark running backs in the mid- to later rounds and hope some hit. The big hits for this owner was his pick of Gibbs and getting Raheem Mostert in Round 13. The Mostert pick likely was the big one that put him over the top, getting the fifth rated fantasy back in the back half of the draft. The owners also had some misses at running back with Leonard Fournette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire but that didn’t impact his team too much, hitting on some of those other backs. 

So overall, the winning strategy of last year’s Best Ball Scout championship team was going early on receivers, loading up on running backs with question marks in the middle to later rounds, take few rookies and wait on the quarterback spot.

There are numerous strategies to use but this was the winning one from last year. Just something to think about when drafting your team in this year’s Best Ball Scout Championship. Start drafting here.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Tua Tagovailoa Nov 12 6:00am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 20 of 28 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown in their 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He also threw an interception and lost a fumble. After an impressive five-play 70-yard first drive, the Dolphin's offense struggled for most of the game. The young Rams defensive line constantly pressured Tagovailoa and sacked him three times. Two of the sacks were due to him holding the ball too long instead of throwing it away. This was not a good showing for the offensive line, and with the news of tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR, it doesn't look to get any better. Tagovailoa and the Miami offense will look to get back on track in Week 11 when they host the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Nov 12 6:00am ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught three of six targets for 57 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. He held the team lead in targets, receptions, and yards. Waddle continues to struggle to get on the same page as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The offense struggled overall to get anything going after their first drive ended in a touchdown. He had yet another drop in this game on a crucial third-down play that would've easily moved the chains. Nonetheless, the Dolphins got a much-needed win to climb back into the AFC playoff picture. It will be hard to trust Waddle down the stretch into the playoffs, with Miami throwing the ball much less than in previous years. He will look to bounce back in Week 11 when he returns to Miami to take on the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Nov 12 6:00am ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane carried the ball 12 times for 37 yards and caught all five of his targets for 15 yards in Monday's 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams. It was disappointing from his two best performances of the season in Weeks 8 and 9. The Rams' defensive line was constantly in the backfield and allowed little to no room to run. The run blocking could be a concern as the Miami offensive line is dealing with a multitude of injuries. The latest was tackle Austin Jackson (knee) landing on IR before the game. One positive was that he out-touched all other Miami running backs 17 to 7. It looks as though Raheem Mostert's fumbling troubles are starting to affect his snaps and touches. Achane will look to return to RB1 form next week at home against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Davis Allen Nov 12 1:00am ET
Davis Allen

Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen converted six targets into five catches for 34 yards during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old has taken on a larger role lately, playing 55 percent of snaps last week. That rate jumped to 87 percent this week. While it's too early to run to the waiver wire and spill FAAB on Allen, he's a name worth monitoring as bye weeks and injuries continue to hit the tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Nov 12 1:00am ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua converted 14 targets into nine catches for 98 yards during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old has played in four games this season, and while he's still searching for his first touchdown of 2024, he did set a season-high target total on Monday night. Nacua and Kupp form an impressive one-two punch in Los Angeles, and both are fringe top-12 fantasy receivers heading into a favorable matchup against the New England Patriots next weekend.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Nov 12 1:00am ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp hauled in all seven of his targets for 80 yards during Sunday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He played 90 percent of offensive snaps but saw his second-lowest target total of the season. Although he was out-produced by Puka Nacua on Monday, both players are dependable options in fantasy football, ranking as fringe WR1 options at the moment. Kupp is averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game (PPR) this season and should be started in all leagues heading into next weekend's clash on the East Coast versus the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Nov 12 12:30am ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams rushed for 62 yards on 15 carries during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also caught five of his six targets for an additional 20 receiving yards, boosting his production in PPR leagues. With that said, Williams lost a fumble and failed to find the end zone in Monday's loss. The 24-year-old's nine-game touchdown streak came to an end last week, and now, he has gone two games without crossing the goal line. This is the first time since his rookie campaign in 2022 that Williams failed to score a touchdown in back-to-back games. Perhaps he'll bounce back next week in a game against the New England Patriots that figures to be run-heavy.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Nov 12 12:20am ET
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty went 5-for-6 on field goals but did not attempt an extra point during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He converted kicks from 22, 31, 34, 53, and 55 yards in the effort. His lone miss was a 57-yard attempt that sailed wide right. The miss puts only a small blemish on the rookie's performance as five made field goals (including two from beyond 50 yards) is nothing to scoff at. Karty had been one of the worst kickers in terms of fantasy points entering Week 10, but Monday night's showing could give him some real streaming appeal ahead of a favorable matchup versus the New England Patriots next weekend.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Nov 12 12:20am ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 32 of 46 passes for 293 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception during Monday's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also took four sacks and fumbled twice, but both loose balls were recovered by Los Angeles. Stafford has now failed to throw for a touchdown in more than 44 percent of his games this season, but Monday's scoreless effort is particularly concerning given the Rams' favorable matchup, negative game script, and Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both being healthy. Even with another favorable matchup on tap against New England, Stafford is not a dependable fantasy option, especially in single-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kendall Fuller Nov 11 10:13pm ET
Kendall Fuller

Miami Dolphins CB Kendall Fuller (concussion) was ruled out of the Week 10 game on Monday, Nov. 11, after being placed in the concussion protocol.

From TheHuddle

Marshon Lattimore Nov 11 10:10pm ET
Marshon Lattimore

Washington Commanders defensive back Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant during Monday's practice estimation. Lattimore suffered a hamstring injury and has yet to make his team debut for Washington. The four-time Pro Bowl corner should be a significant upgrade for this secondary once he's healthy enough to play. He'll likely need to get through a few limited practice sessions in order to have a chance at suiting up against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. The Commanders defense could certainly use the help, but they also aren't going to rush Lattimore back to the field.

From RotoBaller

Dre Greenlaw Nov 11 9:50pm ET
Dre Greenlaw

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) isn't expected to get back on the practice field this week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn't expect to open Greenlaw's 21-day practice window yet. Greenlaw is working his way back from a torn left Achilles he suffered during the Super Bowl in February. That injury caused him to be placed on the physically unable to perform list to begin the season. The 49ers believe Greenlaw can contribute this season, but aren't going to rush him back to the field. Once he returns, Greenlaw should give this defensive unit a nice boost.

From RotoBaller

Chris Conley Nov 11 9:40pm ET
Chris Conley

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley (hamstring) is expected to practice this week, according to David Lombardi. Conley sat out of Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a hamstring injury. He suffered that injury during the Week 8 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The return of Conley gives this team depth with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) done for the season. Conley hasn't done much this season and is unlikely to contribute right now with this offense mostly healthy.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Nov 11 9:20pm ET
Darius Slay

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Darius Slay Jr. (ankle) wasn't available to open up the practice week on Monday. This comes a day after Slay was forced to exit early during Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Slay left in the first quarter due to an ankle issue, but he did return in the second half. He missed Monday's practice, but that could be the Eagles giving him a rest day. His status will be something to follow throughout the week with the Eagles taking on the Washington Commanders on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Mike Hughes Nov 11 9:13pm ET
Mike Hughes

Atlanta Falcons CB Mike Hughes (neck) has been cleared after an MRI on his neck injury, head coach Raheem Morris revealed on Monday, Nov. 11.

From TheHuddle

Sean Payton Nov 11 8:53pm ET
Sean Payton

Denver Broncos RB Audric Estime ran well during the Week 10 game and will continue to see receive touches during games, according to head coach Sean Payton.

Fantasy Spin: Estime rushed for a season-high 53 yards in the last game and will continue to have a role in the running game. He is a risky option because it is not known how many carries he will receive but could be a possible flex option in deeper leagues if he continues to receives a majority of work at running back.

From TheHuddle

Audric Estime Nov 11 8:00pm ET
Audric Estime

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime will "continue to get more reps," according to head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos said early last week that they wanted to get Estime more involved in their backfield before giving him a team-high 14 for 53 yards in the Week 10 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. He played 45% of the offensive snaps, with Javonte Williams playing 29% of the snaps and seeing only three touches. Payton was encouraged by Estime's performance against the Chiefs, which means he could once again lead Denver's backfield in a Week 11 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The 21-year-old fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame has been efficient on his 29 carries in six games, averaging 5.1 yards per tote, and is worth waiver-wire consideration for any fantasy managers in need at the RB position. Williams' fantasy stock could be on life support soon.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Nov 11 8:00pm ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) will return to practice this week and be designated to return from Injured Reserve. The Packers will now have 21 days to officially activate Lloyd from IR, but he's now eligible to potentially return to the field this Sunday to face the division-rival Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The 23-year-old third-round pick hasn't played since suffering an ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, but he's nearing a return and certainly could take over lead backup duties behind Josh Jacobs by the end of the season. Lloyd isn't a bad deep-league stash, especially if you have Jacobs rostered, but you should also temper expectations. He missed most of training camp as well due to an injury and has lots of catching up to do. Emanuel Wilson has been Jacobs' primary backup for most of the year.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Nov 11 7:50pm ET
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales is non-committal on who will start at quarterback when the team returns off their Week 11 bye to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. Bryce Young has started the last three games with veteran Andy Dalton tending to a sprained right thumb and has led the team to back-to-back wins. However, following a bye this week, Dalton could be fully recovered from an injury he sustained in a car accident. Although young has posted modest numbers the last three weeks, the 23-year-old former first overall pick has shown improvement over his dreadful rookie season in 2023, going 55-for-88 (62.5%) for 521 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing nine times for 45 yards. At this point, it would be a surprise if Carolina went back to Dalton. Young will have a difficult matchup coming out of the bye against KC if he's named the starter, though.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Nov 11 7:40pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (ribs) could be limited in practice early in the week after injuring his ribs in the Week 10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but head coach Kevin O'Connell said he feels good about having Jones available for this Sunday's Week 11 game at the Tennessee Titans. Jones got X-rays, which came back negative, on his chest in the second half of the game against the Jags but eventually returned and should be fine to play this coming weekend against the Titans. Don't be surprised if the 29-year-old veteran does a whole lot in practice this week, though. He's quietly having a strong season in his first year in Minnesota and is currently the RB15 in half-PPR scoring with 142 carries for 653 rushing yards and two touchdowns, adding 28 receptions for 258 yards and another score.

From RotoBaller